Philadelphia Dentist Prevents and Treats Gum Disease

Visiting our Philadelphia dentist office is important for preventing all types of oral health conditions.  Many people are unaware that healthy teeth and gums are essential for having good health overall and by simply having your teeth cleaned you can prevent many common problems like gum disease and cavities.

Gum disease is typically caused by a lack of oral hygiene and dental care.  Brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, and using an antiseptic mouthwash can all help to prevent bacteria from building up in your mouth.  Combining this with regular teeth cleanings can help you avoid gum disease altogether.  If we identify any symptoms during your dental exam, we may recommend a deep cleaning where bacteria are removed from on and underneath your gums.  This gives them the ability to heal and the symptoms will typically go away.

As a Philadelphia dentist, we understand the importance of preventative oral health care.  When gum disease is caught in its early stages, the symptoms can be reversed easily.  If it is left untreated, the gums can start to recede, and pockets may form in the gum tissue.  This creates an area for bacteria to gather and attack your teeth and gums.  Treatment is more intensive and often requires a gum graft in order to close the pockets so that the gums can protect the teeth again.  Fortunately, this can be avoided with preventative care.

How Gums are Connected to Your Body

Unhealthy gums can have negative consequences that extend far beyond your mouth. For example, pregnant women may go into premature labor if they suffer from gum disease.  Babies that are born to mothers with the condition typically weigh less than their peers.  This makes regular teeth cleanings essential for the health of both mom and baby.

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, studies have found that people with an oral infection are at greater risk for having a stroke. They compared a controlled group to those with an oral infection and found that gum disease or other oral infections can be a precursor for stroke.

Heart disease has also been linked to gum disease with 91 percent of people suffering from a heart condition also having poor gum health.  This is an alarming statistic when you consider that the leading cause of death among both men and women is heart disease.  One out of every three men and one out of every four women die from heart disease, far more than cancer or other health issues.  Reducing the risk of heart problems is incredibly important and maintaining healthy gums is one way to do so.

As a Philadelphia dentist, we recommend that patients have their teeth cleaned at least twice a year so that we can catch any signs of gum disease in its early stages before it creates any other health issues.  Living with an oral infection is not worth the risk of being more vulnerable to a stroke or heart attack.  Schedule your dental exam today to ensure that you can stay in good health.